title: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage non-small cell lung cancer.
abstract: Lung cancer treatment has evolved during the last decade from the non-specific cytotoxic drugs to targeted therapy. New diagnostic equipment such as the endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy and positron emission tomography has enhanced early lung cancer diagnosis. However; we still need additional novel biomarkers to assist the already used diagnostic techniques. Surgery is the still the best treatment for early lung cancer treatment. Several surgical techniques are being used based on the tumour location and cardiothoracic centre's experienced. There are however marginal situations where neo-adjuvant chemotherapy provides a "pre-step" for the patient. In the current work we will provide current data for the patients needing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy before proceeding to curative surgery.
authors.affiliation: Medical Oncology Department, "Theagenion" Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece;
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Boukovinas
authors.forename: Kosmas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsakiridis
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zarogoulidis
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Machairiotis
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Katsikogiannis
authors.forename: Ioanna
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kougioumtzi
authors.forename: Kostantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zarogoulidis
keywords: Lung cancer; early stage; neo-adjuvant